The Ghana Packing List

Ghana is warm, welcoming and informal — but a few packing choices make the difference between a good trip and a great one.

Clothing

• Light, breathable fabrics — cotton and linen win; the equatorial coast is humid
• One warm layer — harmattan mornings and air-conditioned buses both get cold
• Modest options — cover shoulders and knees for churches, villages and castle ceremonies
• One "nice" outfit — Ghanaians dress up for events; you'll want to match the energy
• Broken-in walking shoes plus sandals — you'll do both, daily

Health kit

• Malaria prophylaxis — see a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure; this is the one item you cannot improvise
• Insect repellent with DEET, and sunscreen
• Basic medications — stomach remedies, painkillers, antihistamines, plus your prescriptions in original packaging
• Hand sanitizer and tissues for road-trip bathrooms

Documents

• Passport (six months' validity) and printed visa
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate — required for entry; carry it with you
• Printed copies of everything, stored separately from the originals

Money and power

• US dollars in new bills — accepted everywhere for exchange, and crisp notes get better rates
• Two cards from different networks (Visa is the most widely accepted), with travel notices set
• Type D/G power adapter — Ghana uses UK-style three-pin plugs at 230V
• A portable charger for long drive days

Extras that earn their space

A daypack, a reusable water bottle, and — this one surprises people — an empty foldable suitcase. The textiles, art and tailoring you'll want to bring home are the best souvenir value in West Africa.

What to leave at home

Hair dryers (your hotel has one), heavy denim, more than two pairs of shoes, and anything you'd be heartbroken to lose or damage in equatorial humidity.

Our pre-departure checklist covers the paperwork side — this list covers the suitcase.